Whynot？resumedtheindignantmanager。NeitherDr。Middletonnoranydoctoruponearthshalltreatmewithinjustice。This，yousee，isastrokeatmeandmyparty，andIwon’tbearit。
　　Oh，youaremistaken！saidDeGrey，whowastheonlyonewhodaredtoopposereasontotheangryorator。Itcannotbeastrokeaimedat’youandyourparty，’forhedoesnotknowthatyouHAVEaparty。
　　I’llmakehimknowit，andI’llmakeYOUknowit，too，saidArcher。
　　BeforeIcamehereyoureignedalone，nowyourreignisover，Mr。DeGrey。Remembermymajoritythismorning，andyourtheatrelastnight。
　　Hehasrememberedit，saidFisher。Yousee，themomenthewasnottobeourmanager，weweretohavenotheatre，noplayhouse，noplays。Wemustallsitdownwithourhandsbeforeus——allfor’GOODREASONS’ofDr。
　　Middleton’s，whichhedoesnotvouchsafetotellus。
　　Iwon’tbegovernedbyanyman’sreasonsthathewon’ttellme，criedArcher。Hecannothavegoodreasons，orwhynottellthem？
　　Nonsense！saidDeGrey。WESHALLNOTSUSPECTHIMOFCAPRICE！
　　Whynot？
　　Becausewewhoknowhim，haveneverknownhimcapricious。
　　Perhapsnot。_I_knownothingabouthim，saidArcher。
　　No，saidDeGrey。forthatveryreason_I_speakwhodoknowhim。
　　Don’tbeinapassion，Archer。
　　Iwillbeinapassion。Iwon’tsubmittotyranny。Iwon’tbemadeafoolofbyafewsoftwords。Youdon’tknowme，DeGrey。I’llgothroughwithwhatI’vebegun。Iammanager，andIwillbemanager。andyoushallseemytheatrefinishedinspiteofyou，andMYpartytriumphant。
　　Party，repeatedDeGrey。Icannotimaginewhatisintheword’party’
　　thatseemstodriveyoumad。Weneverheardofpartiestillyoucameamongstus。
　　No。beforeIcame，Isay，nobodydaredopposeyou。butIdare。andI
　　tellyoutoyourface，takecareofme——awarmfriendandabitterenemyismymotto。
　　Iamnotyourenemy！Ibelieveyouareoutofyoursenses，Archer！
　　saidhe，laughing。
　　Outofmysenses！No。youaremyenemy！Areyounotmyrival？Didnotyouwinthepremium？Didnotyouwanttobemanager？Answerme，arenotyou，inoneword，aGreybeard？
　　YoucalledmeaGreybeard，butmynameisDeGrey，saidhe，stilllaughing。
　　Laughon！criedtheother，furiously。Come，ARCHERS，followme。WE
　　shalllaughby-and-by，Ipromiseyou。AtthedoorArcherwasstoppedbyMr。Chip。Oh，Mr。Chip，Iamorderedtodischargeyou。
　　Yes，sir。andhere’salittlebill——
　　Bill，Mr。Chip！why，youhavenotbeenatworkfortwohours！
　　Notmuchover，sir。butifyou’llpleasetolookintoit，you’llsee’tisforafewthingsyouordered。Thestuffisalllaidoutanddelivered。Thepaperandthefestoon-borderingforthedrawingroomsceneiscutout，andleftyAnderwithin。
　　YAnder，within！Iwishyouhadnotbeeninsuchaconfoundedhurry——
　　six-and-twentyshillings！criedhe。butIcan’tstaytotalkaboutitnow。I’lltellyou，Mr。Chip，saidArcher，loweringhisvoice，whatyoumustdoforme，mygoodfellow。
　　Then，drawingMr。Chipaside，hebeggedhimtopulldownsomeofthewoodworkwhichhadbeenputup，andtocutitintoacertainnumberofwoodenbars，ofwhichhegavehimthedimensions，withorderstoplacethemall，whenready，underahaystack，whichhepointedout。
　　Mr。Chipscrupledandhesitated，andbegantotalkofTHEDOCTOR。
　　Archerimmediatelybegantotalkofthebill，andthrowingdownaguineaandahalf，theconscientiouscarpenterpocketedthemoneydirectly，andmadehisbow。
　　Well，MasterArcher，saidhe，there’snorefusingyounothing。Youhavesuchawayoftalkingoneoutofit。Youmanagemejustlikeachild。
　　Ay，ay！saidArcher，knowingthathehadbeencheated，andyetproudofmanagingacarpenter，ay，ay！Iknowthewaytomanageeverybody。Letthethingsbereadyinanhour’stime，andhark’e！leaveyourtoolsbymistakebehindyou，andathousandoftwenty-pennynails。Asknoquestions，andkeepyourowncounsellikeawiseman。Offwithyou，andtakecareof’THEDOCTOR。’
　　Archers，Archers，totheArchers’tree！Followyourleader，criedhe，soundinghiswellknownwhistleasasignal。Hisfollowersgatheredroundhim，andhe，raisinghimselfuponthemountatthefootofthetree，countedhisnumbers，andthen，inavoicelowerthanusual，addressedthemthus：——Myfriends，isthereaGreybeardamongstus？Ifthereis，lethimwalkoffatonce，hehasmyfreeleave。Noonestirred。ThenweareallArchers，andwewillstandbyoneanother。
　　Joinhands，myfriends。Theyalljoinedhands。Promisemenottobetrayme，andIwillgoon。Iasknosecuritybutyourhonour。TheyallgavetheirhonourtobesecretandFAITHFUL，ashecalledit，andhewenton。Didyoueverhearofsuchathingasa’BARRINGOUT，’myfriends？Theyhadheardofsuchathing，buttheyhadonlyheardofit。
　　ArchergavethehistoryofaBarringOut，inwhichhehadbeenconcernedathisschool，inwhichtheboysstoodoutagainstthemaster，andgainedtheirpointatlast，whichwasaweek’smoreholidaysatEaster。*ButifWEshouldnotsucceed，saidthey，Dr。Middletonissosteady。henevergoesbackfromwhathehassaid。
　　Didyouevertrytopushhimback？Letusbesteadyandhe’lltremble。
　　Tyrantsalwaystremblewhen——
　　Oh，interruptedanumberofvoices。butheisnotatyrant——ishe？
　　Allschoolmastersaretyrants——arenotthey？repliedArcher。andisnotheaschoolmaster？
　　Tothislogictherewasnoanswer。but，stillreluctant，theyasked，WhattheyshouldGETbyaBarringOut？
　　Get！——everything！——whatwewant！——whichiseverythingtoladsofspirit——
　　victoryandliberty！Barhimouttillherepealshistyrannicallaw。
　　tillheletsusintoourowntheatreagain，ortillhetellsushis’GOOD
　　REASONS’againstit。
　　Butperhapshehasreasonsfornottellingus。
　　Impossible！criedArcher，that’sthewaywearealwaystobegovernedbyamaninawig，whosayshehasgoodreasons，andcan’ttellthem。
　　Areyoufools？Go！gobacktoDeGrey！IseeyouareallGreybeards。
　　Go！Whogoesfirst？NobodywouldgoFIRST。Iwillhavenothingtodowithye，ifyeareresolvedtobeslaves！Wewon’tbeslaves！theyallexclaimedatonce。Then，saidArcher，standoutintherightandbefree。
　　*[ThiscustomofBARRINGOUTwasverygeneralespeciallyinthenorthernpartsofEnglandduringthe17thand18thcenturies，andithasbeenfullydescribedbyBrandandotherantiquarianwriters。
　　Dr。JohnsonmentionsthatAddison，whileunderthetuitionofMr。Shaw，masteroftheLichfieldGrammarSchool，led，andsuccessfullyconducted，aplanforBARRINGOUThismaster。Adisorderlyprivilege，saysthedoctor，which，inhistime，prevailedintheprincipalseminariesofeducation。
　　IntheGentleman’sMagazineof1828，Dr。P。A。Nuttall，underthesignatureofII。A。N。，hasgivenaspiritedsketchofaBARRINGOUTattheOrmskirkGrammarSchool，whichhassincebeenrepublishedatlengththoughwithoutacknowledgment，bySirHenryEllis，inBohn’srecenteditionofBrand’sPopularAntiquities。Thisoperationtookplaceearlyinthepresentcentury，andisinterestingfromitsbeing，perhaps，thelastattemptonrecord，andalsofromthecircumstanceofthewriterhimselfhavingbeenoneofthejuvenileleadersinthedaringadventure，quorumparsmagnafuit，——Ed。]
　　THERIGHT。ItwouldhavetakenuptoomuchtimetoexaminewhatTHE
　　RIGHTwas。ArcherwasalwayssurethatTHERIGHTwaswhathispartychosetodo。thatis，whathechosetodohimself。andsuchistheinfluenceofnumbersuponeachother，inconqueringthefeelingsofshameandinconfusingthepowersofreasoning，thatinafewminutestherightwasforgotten，andeachsaidtohimself，Tobesure，Archerisaverycleverboy，andhecan’tbemistaken。or，tobesure，Townsendthinksso，andhewouldnotdoanythingtogetusintoascrape。or，tobesure，everybodywillagreetothisbutmyself，andIcan’tstandoutalone，tobepointedatasaGreybeardandaslave。Everybodythinksitisright，andeverybodycan’tbewrong。
　　Bysomeofthesearguments，whichpassedrapidlythroughthemindwithouthisbeingconsciousofthem，eachboydecided，anddeceivedhimself——whatnonewouldhavedonealone，nonescrupledtodoasaparty。Itwasdetermined，then，thatthereshouldbeaBarringOut。Thearrangementoftheaffairwaslefttotheirnewmanager，towhomtheyallpledgedimplicitobedience。Obedience，itseems，isnecessary，evenfromrebelstotheirringleaders。notreasonable，butimplicitobedience。
　　ScarcelyhadtheassemblyadjournedtotheBall-alley，whenFisher，withanimportantlengthofface，cameuptothemanager，anddesiredtospeakonewordtohim。Myadvicetoyou，Archer，is，todonothinginthistillwehaveconsulted，YOUKNOWWHO，aboutwhetherit’srightorwrong。
　　’YOUKNOWWHO！’Whomdoyoumean？Makehaste，anddon’tmakesomanyfaces，forI’minahurry。Whois’YOUKNOWWHO？’
　　Theoldwoman，saidFisher，gravely。thegipsy。
　　Youmayconsulttheoldwoman，saidArcher，burstingouta-laughing，aboutwhat’srightandwrong，ifyouplease。butnooldwomanshalldecideforme。
　　No。butyoudon’tTAKEme，saidFisher。youdon’tTAKEme。Byrightandwrong，Imeanluckyandunlucky。
　　Whatever_I_dowillbelucky，repliedArcher。Mygipsytoldyouthatalready。
　　Iknow，Iknow，saidFisher，andwhatshesaidaboutyourfriendsbeinglucky——thatwentagreatwaywithmany，addedhe，withasagaciousnodofhishead。IcantellyouTHAT——morethanyouthink。Doyouknow，saidhe，layingholdofArcher’sbutton，I’minthesecret。
　　Therearenineofushavecrookedourlittlefingersuponit，nottostirasteptillwegetheradvice。andshehasappointedmetomeetheraboutparticularbusinessofmyownateight。SoI’mtoconsultherandtobringheranswer。
　　Archerknewtoowellhowtogovernfools，toattempttoreasonwiththem。
　　and，insteadoflaughinganylongeratFisher’sridiculoussuperstition，hewasdeterminedtotakeadvantageofit。Heaffectedtobepersuadedofthewisdomofthemeasure。lookedathiswatch。urgedhimtobeexacttoamoment。conjuredhimtorememberexactlythewordsoftheoracle。
　　and，aboveallthings，todemandtheluckyhourandminutewhentheBarringOutshouldbegin。WiththeseinstructionsArcherputhiswatchintothesolemndupe’shand，andlefthimtocounttheseconds，tillthemomentofhisappointment，whilstheranoffhimselftopreparetheoracle。
　　Atalittlegatewhichlookedintoalane，throughwhichheguessedthatthegipsymustpass，hestationedhimself，sawher，gaveherhalfacrownandherinstructions，madehisescape，andgotbackunsuspectedtoFisher，whomhefoundintheattitudeinwhichhehadlefthim，watchingthemotionoftheminutehand。
　　Proudofhissecretcommission，Fisherslouchedhishat，heknewnotwhy，overhisface，andproceededtowardstheappointedspot。Tokeep，ashehadbeenchargedbyArcher，withintheletterofthelaw，hestoodBEHIND
　　theforbiddenbuilding，andwaitedsomeminutes。
　　Throughagapinthehedgetheoldwomanatlengthmadeherappearance，muffledup，andlookingcautiouslyabouther。There’snobodynearus！
　　saidFisher，andhebegantobealittleafraid。Whatanswer，saidhe，recollectinghimself，aboutmyLivy？
　　Lost！lost！lost！saidthegipsy，liftingupherhands。never，never，nevertobefound！Butnomatterforthatnow。thatisnotyourerrandto-night。notrickswithme。speaktomeofwhatisnextyourheart。
　　Fisher，astonished，puthishanduponhisheart，toldherallthatsheknewbefore，andreceivedtheanswersthatArcherhaddictated：ThattheArchersshouldbeluckyaslongastheystucktotheirmanager，andtooneanother。thattheBarringOutshouldendinwoe，ifnotbegunpreciselyastheclockshouldstrikenineonWednesdaynight。butifbeguninthatLUCKYmoment，andallobedienttotheirLUCKYleader，allshouldendwell。
　　Athought，aprovidentthought，nowstruckFisher。forevenhehadsomeforesightwherehisfavouritepassionwasconcerned。Pray，inourBarringOutshallwebestarved？
　　No，saidthegipsy，notifyoutrusttomeforfood，andifyougivememoneyenough。Silverwon’tdoforsomany。goldiswhatmustcrossmyhand。
　　Ihavenogold，saidFisher，andIdon’tknowwhatyoumeanby’somany。’I’monlytalkingofnumberone，youknow。Imusttakecareofthatfirst。
　　So，asFisherthoughtitwaspossiblethatArcher，cleverashewas，mightbedisappointedinhissupplies，hedeterminedtotakesecretmeasuresforhimself。HisAuntBarbara’sinterdictionhadshuthimoutoftheconfectioner’sshop。butheflatteredhimselfthathecouldoutwithisaunt。hethereforebeggedthegipsytoprocurehimtwelvebunsbyThursdaymorning，andbringthemsecretlytooneofthewindowsoftheschoolroom。
　　AsFisherdidnotproduceanymoneywhenhemadethisproposal，itwasatfirstabsolutelyrejected。butabribeatlengthconqueredhisdifficulties。andthebribewhichFisherfoundhimselfobligedtogive——
　　forhehadnopocketmoneyleftofhisown，hebeingasmuchRESTRICTED
　　inthatarticleasArcherwasINDULGED——thebribethathefoundhimselfobligedtogivetoquietthegipsywashalfacrown，whichArcherhadintrustedtohimtobuycandlesforthetheatre。Oh，thoughthetohimself。Archer’ssocarelessaboutmoney，hewillneverthinkofaskingmeforthehalf-crownagain。andnowhe’llwantnocandlesfortheTHEATRE。or，atanyrate，itwillbesometimefirst。andmaybe，AuntBarbaramaybegottogivemethatmuchatChristmas。then，iftheworstcomestotheworst，onecanpayArcher。Mymouthwatersforthebuns，andhave’emImustnow。
　　So，forthehopeoftwelvebuns，hesacrificedthemoneywhichhadbeenintrustedtohim。Thusthemeanestmotives，inmeanmindsoftenprompttothecommissionofthosegreatfaults，towhichoneshouldthinknothingbutsomeviolentpassioncouldhavetempted。
　　Theambassadorhavingthus，inhisopinion，concludedhisownandthepublicbusiness，returnedwellsatisfiedwiththeresult，afterreceivingthegipsy’sreiteratedpromisetotapTHREETIMESatthewindowonThursdaymorning。
　　ThedayappointedfortheBarringOutatlengtharrived。andArcher，assemblingtheconfederates，informedthem，thatallwaspreparedforcarryingtheirdesignintoexecution。thathenowdependedforsuccessupontheirpunctualityandcourage。Hehad，withinthelasttwohours，gotalltheirbarsreadytofastenthedoorsandwindowshuttersoftheschoolroom。hehad，withtheassistanceoftwoofthedayscholarswhowereoftheparty，sentintothetownforprovisions，athisownexpense，whichwouldmakeahandsomesupperforthatnight。hehadalsonegotiatedwithsomecousinsofhis，wholivedinthetown，foraconstantsupplyinfuture。Blessme，exclaimedArcher，suddenlystoppinginthisnarrationofhisservices，there’sonething，afterall，I’veforgot，weshallbeundonewithoutit。Fisher，praydidyoueverbuythecandlesfortheplayhouse？
　　No，tobesure，repliedFisher，extremelyfrightened。youknowyoudon’twantcandlesfortheplayhousenow。
　　Notfortheplayhouse，butfortheBarringOut。Weshallbeinthedark，man。Youmustrunthisminute，run。
　　Forcandles？saidFisher，confused。howmany？——whatsort？
　　Stupidity！exclaimedArcher，youareaprettyfellowatadeadlift！
　　Lendmeapencilandabitofpaper，do。I’llwritedownwhatIwantmyself！Well，whatareyoufumblingfor？
　　Formoney！saidFisher，colouring。
　　Money，man！Didn’tIgiveyouhalfacrowntheotherday？
　　Yes，repliedFisher，stammering。butIwasn’tsurethatthatmightbeenough。
　　Enough！yes，tobesureitwill。Idon’tknowwhatyouareAT。
　　Nothing，nothing，saidFisher，here，writeuponthis，then，saidFisher，puttingapieceofpaperintoArcher’shand，uponwhichArcherwrotehisorders。Away，away！criedhe。
　　AwaywentFisher。Hereturned。butnotuntilaconsiderabletimeafterwards。Theywereatsupperwhenhereturned。Fisheralwayscomesinatsupper-time，observedoneoftheGreybeards，carelessly。
　　Well，andwouldyouhavehimcomeinAFTERsupper-time？saidTownsend，whoalwayssuppliedhispartywithreadywit。
　　I’vegotthecandles，whisperedFisherashepassedbyArchertohisplace。
　　Andthetinder-box？saidArcher。
　　Yes。IgotbackfrommyAuntBarbaraunderpretencethatImuststudyforrepetitiondayanhourlaterto-night。SoIgotleave。Wasnotthatclever？
　　AduncealwaysthinksitclevertocheatevenbySOBERLIES。HowMr。
　　Fisherprocuredthecandlesandthetinderboxwithoutmoney，andwithoutcredit，weshalldiscoverfurtheron。
　　Archerandhisassociateshadagreedtostaythelastintheschoolroom。
　　andassoonastheGreybeardsweregoneouttobed，he，asthesignal，wastoshutandlockonedoor，Townsendtheother。Athirdconspiratorwastostrikealight，incasetheyshouldnotbeabletosecureacandle。Afourthwastotakechargeofthecandleassoonaslighted。
　　andalltherestweretoruntotheirbars，whichweresecretedinaroom。thentofixthemtothecommonfasteningbarsofthewindow，inthemannerinwhichtheyhadbeenpreviouslyinstructedbythemanager。Thuseachhadhispartassigned，andeachwaswarnedthatthesuccessofthewholedependedupontheirorderandpunctuality。
　　Orderandpunctuality，itappears，arenecessaryeveninaBarringOut。
　　andevenrebellionmusthaveitslaws。
　　Thelongexpectedmomentatlengtharrived。DeGreyandhisfriends，unconsciousofwhatwasgoingforward，walkedoutoftheschoolroomasusualatbedtime。Theclockbegantostrikenine。TherewasoneGreybeardleftintheroom，whowaspackingupsomeofhisbooks，whichhadbeenleftaboutbyaccident。Itisimpossibletodescribetheimpatiencewithwhichhewaswatched，especiallybyFisher，andtheninewhodependeduponthegipsyoracle。
　　Whenhehadgotallhisbookstogetherunderhisarm，heletoneofthemfall。andwhilsthestoopedtopickitup，Archergavethesignal。Thedoorswereshut，locked，anddouble-lockedinaninstant。Alightwasstruckandeachrantohispost。Thebarswereallinthesamemomentputuptothewindows，andArcher，whenhehadtriedthemall，andseenthattheyweresecure，gavealoudHuzza！——inwhichhewasjoinedbyallthepartymostmanfully——byallbutthepoorGreybeard，who，thepictureofastonishment，stoodstockstillinthemidstofthemwithhisbooksunderhisarm。atwhichspectacleTownsend，whoenjoyedtheFROLIC
　　ofthefraymorethananythingelse，burstintoanimmoderatefitoflaughter。So，mylittleGreybeard，saidhe，holdingacandlefullinhiseyes，whatthinkyouofallthis？——Howcameyouamongstthewickedones？
　　Idon’tknow，indeed，saidthelittleboy，verygravely：youshutmeupamongstyou。Won’tyouletmeout？
　　Letyouout！No，no，mylittleGreybeard，saidArcher，catchingholdofhim，anddragginghimtothewindowbars。Lookyehere——touchthese——
　　putyourhandtothem——pull，push，kick——putalittlespiritintoit，man——kicklikeanArcher，ifyoucan。awaywithye。It’sapitythatthekingoftheGreybeardsisnotheretoadmireme。Ishouldliketoshowhimourfortifications。Butcome，mymerrymenall，nowtothefeast。
　　Outwiththetableintothemiddleoftheroom。Goodcheer，myjollyArchers！I’myourmanager！
　　Townsend，delightedwiththebustle，rubbedhishands，andcaperedabouttheroom，whilstthepreparationsforthefeastwerehurriedforward。
　　Fourcandles！——Fourcandlesonthetable。Let’shavethingsinstylewhenweareaboutit，Mr。Manager，criedTownsend。Places！——Places！
　　There’snothinglikeafairscramble，myboys。Leteveryonetakecareofhimself。Hallo！Greybeard，I’veknockedGreybearddownhereinthescuffle。Getupagain，mylad，andseealittlelife。
　　No，no，criedFisher，hesha’n’tSUPwithus。
　　No，no，criedthemanager，heshan’tLIVEwithus。aGreybeardisnotfitcompanyforArchers。
　　No，no，criedTownsend，evilcommunicationcorruptsgoodmanners。
　　Sowithoneunanimoushisstheyhuntedthepoorlittlegentleboyintoacorner。andhavingpenthimupwithbenches，Fisheropenedhisbooksforhim，whichhethoughtthegreatestmortification，andsetupacandlebesidehim——There，nowhelookslikeaGreybeardasheis！criedthey。
　　Tellmewhat’stheLatinforcoldroastbeef？saidFisher，exultingly，andtheyreturnedtotheirfeast。
　　Longandloudtheyrevelled。Theyhadafewbottlesofcider。Givemethecorkscrew，thecidersha’n’tbekepttillit’ssour，criedTownsend，inanswertothemanager，who，whenhebeheldtheprovisionsvanishingwithsurprisingrapidity，begantofearforthemorrow。Hangto-
　　morrow！criedTownsend，letGreybeardsthinkofto-morrow。Mr。Manager，here’syourgoodhealth。
　　TheArchersallstoodupastheircupswerefilledtodrinkthehealthoftheirchiefwithauniversalcheer。Butatthemomentthatthecupswereattheirlips，andasArcherbowedtothankthecompany，asuddenshowerfromaboveastonishedthewholeassembly。Theylookedup，andbeheldtheroseofawatering-engine，whoselongneckappearedthroughatrapdoorintheceiling。Yourgoodhealth，Mr。Manager！saidavoice，whichwasknowntobethegardener’s。andinthemidstoftheirsurpriseanddismaythecandlesweresuddenlyextinguished。thetrap-doorshutdown。andtheywereleftinutterdarkness。
　　TheDEVIL！saidArcher。
　　Don’tswear，Mr。Manager，saidthesamevoicefromtheceiling，Iheareverywordyousay。
　　Mercyuponus！exclaimedFisher。Theclock，addedhe，whispering，musthavebeenwrong，forithadnotdonestrikingwhenwebegan。Only，youremember，Archer，ithadjustdonebeforeyouhaddonelockingyourdoor。
　　Holdyourtongue，blockhead！saidArcher。Well，boys！wereyeneverinthedarkbefore？Youarenotafraidofashowerofrain，Ihope。Isanybodydrowned？
　　No，saidthey，withafaintlaugh，butwhatshallwedohereinthedarkallnightlong，andalldayto-morrow？Wecan’tunbartheshutters。
　　It’sawonderNOBODYeverthoughtofthetrap-door！saidTownsend。
　　Thetrap-doorhadindeedescapedthemanager’sobservation。Asthehousewasnewtohim，andtheceilingbeingnewlywhite-washed，theopeningwasscarcelyperceptible。Vexedtobeout-generalled，andstillmorevexedtohaveitremarked，Archerpouredforthavolleyofincoherentexclamationsandreproachesagainstthosewhowerethussosoondiscouragedbyatrifle。andgropingforthetinder-box，heaskedifanythingcouldbeeasierthantostrikealightagain。*Thelightappeared。Butatthemomentthatitmadethetinder-boxvisible，anothershowerfromabove，aimed，andaimedexactly，atthetinder-box，drencheditwithwater，andrenderedittotallyunfitforfurtherservice。Archerinafurydashedittotheground。Andnowforthefirsttimehefeltwhatitwastobetheunsuccessfulheadofaparty。Heheardinhisturnthemurmursofadiscontented，changeablepopulace。andrecollectingallhisbarsandbolts，andingeniouscontrivances，hewasmoreprovokedattheirblaminghimforthisoneonlyoversightthanhewasgrievedatthedisasteritself。
　　*Lucifermatcheswerethenunknown——Ed。
　　Oh，myhairisallwet！criedone，dolefully。
　　Wringit，then，saidArcher。
　　Myhand’scutwithyourbrokenglass，criedanother。
　　Glass！criedathird。mercy！istherebrokenglass？andit’sallabout，Isuppose，amongstthesupper。andIhadbutonebitofbreadallthetime。
　　Bread！criedArcher。eatifyouwantit。Here’sapiecehere，andnoglassnearit。
　　It’sallwet，andIdon’tlikedrybreadbyitself。that’snofeast。
　　Heigh-day！What，nothingbutmoaningandgrumbling！IfthesearethejoysofaBarringOut，criedTownsend，I’dratherbesnuginmybed。I
　　expectedthatweshouldhavesatuptilltwelveo’clock，talking，andlaughing，andsinging。
　　Soyoumaystill。whathindersyou？saidArcher。Sing，andwe’lljoinyou，andIshouldbegladthosefellowsoverheadheardussinging。
　　Begin，Townsend——
　　’Comenow，allyesocialPowers，Spreadyourinfluenceo’erus’——
　　Orelse——
　　’Rule，Britannia！Britanniarulesthewaves！
　　Britonsneverwillbeslaves。’
　　Nothingcanbemoremelancholythanforcedmerriment。Invaintheyroaredinchorus。Invaintheytriedtoappeargay。Itwouldnotdo。
　　Thevoicesdiedaway，anddroppedoffonebyone。Theyhadeachprovidedhimselfwithagreat-coattosleepupon。butnow，inthedark，therewasapeevishscramblingcontestforthecoats，andhalfthecompany，inverybadhumour，stretchedthemselvesuponthebenchesforthenight。
　　Thereisgreatpleasureinbearinganythingthathastheappearanceofhardshipaslongasthereisanyglorytobeacquiredbyit：butwhenpeoplefeelthemselvesfoiled，thereisnofurtherpleasureinendurance。
　　andif，intheirmisfortune，thereisanymixtureoftheridiculous，themotivesforheroismareimmediatelydestroyed。Dr。Middletonhadprobablyconsideredthisinthechoicehemadeofhisfirstattack。
　　Archer，whohadspentthenightasamanwhohadthecaresofgovernmentuponhisshoulders，roseearlyinthemorning，whilsteverybodyelsewasfastasleep。Inthenighthehadresolvedtheaffairofthetrap-door，andanewdangerhadalarmedhim。Itwaspossiblethattheenemymightdescenduponthemthroughthetrap-door。Theroomhadbeenbuilthightoadmitafreecirculationofair。Itwastwentyfeet，sothatitwasinvaintothinkofreachingtothetrap-door。
　　Assoonasthedaylightappeared，Archerrosesoftly，thathemightRECONNOITRE，anddevisesomemethodofguardingagainstthisnewdanger。
　　Luckilytherewereroundholesinthetopofthewindow-shutters，whichadmittedsufficientlightforhimtoworkby。Theremainsofthesoakedfeast，wetcandles，andbrokenglassspreadoverthetableinthemiddleoftheroom，lookedratherdismalthismorning。
　　’AprettysetoffellowsIhavetomanage！saidArcher，contemplatingthegroupofsleepersbeforehim。Itiswelltheyhavesomebodytothinkforthem。NowifIwanted——which，thankgoodness，Idon’t——butifIdidwanttocallacabinetcounciltomyassistance，whomcouldIpitchupon？notthisstupidsnorer，whoisdreamingofgipsies，ifheisdreamingofanything，continuedArcher，ashelookedintoFisher’sopenmouth。Thisnextchapisquickenough。but，then，heissofondofhavingeverythinghisownway。Andthiscurlpatedmonkey，whoisgrinninginhissleep，isalltongueandnobrains。Herearebrains，thoughnobodywouldthinkit，inthislump，saidhe，lookingatafat，rolledup，heavybreathingsleeper。butwhatsignifybrainstosuchalazydog？ImightkickhimformyfootballthishalfhourbeforeI
　　shouldgethimawake。Thislankjawedharlequinbesidehimisahandyfellow，tobesure。but，then，ifhehashands，hehasnohead——andhe’dbeafraidofhisownshadowtoo，bythislight，heissuchacoward！AndTownsend，why，hehaspunsinplenty。but，whenthere’sanyworktobedone，he’stheworstfellowtobenearoneintheworld——hecandonothingbutlaughathisownpuns。Thispoorlittlefellowthatwehuntedintothecornerhasmoresensethanallofthemputtogether。butthenheisaGreybeard。
　　Thusspeculatedthechiefofapartyuponhissleepingfriends。Andhowdidithappenthatheshouldbesoambitioustopleaseandgovernthisset，when，foreachindividualofwhichitwascomposed，hefeltsuchsupremecontempt？HehadformedthemintoaPARTY，hadgiventhemaname，andhewasattheirhead。Ifthesebenotgoodreasons，nonebettercanbeassignedforArcher’sconduct。
　　Iwishyecouldallsleepon，saidhe。butImustwakenye，thoughyouwillbeonlyinmyway。Thesoundofmyhammeringmustwakenthem。soI
　　mayaswelldothethinghandsomely，andflattersomeofthembypretendingtoasktheiradvice。
　　Accordingly，hepulledtwoorthreetowakenthem。Come，Townsend，waken，myboy！Here’ssomediversionforyou——up！up！
　　Diversion！criedTownsend。I’myourman！I’mup——UPTOANYTHING。
　　So，underthenameofDIVERSION，ArchersetTownsendtoworkatfouro’clockinthemorning。Theyhadnails，afewtools，andseveralspars，stillleftfromthewreckoftheplayhouse。These，byArcher’sdirections，theysharpenedatoneend，andnailedthemtotheendsofseveralforms。
　　Allhandswerenowcalledtoclearawaythesupperthings，toerecttheseformsperpendicularlyunderthetrap-door。andwiththeassistanceofafewbraces，achevaux-de-frisewasformed，uponwhichnobodycouldventuretodescend。Atthefarthestendoftheroomtheylikewiseformedapenthouseofthetables，underwhichtheyproposedtobreakfast，securefromthepeltingstorm，ifitshouldagainassailthemthroughthetrap-
　　door。Theycrowdedunderthepenthouseassoonasitwasready，andtheiradmirationofitsingenuitypaidtheworkmenforthejob。
　　Lord！Ishallliketoseethegardener’sphizthroughthetrap-door，whenhebeholdsthespikesunderhim！criedTownsend。Nowforbreakfast！
　　Ay，nowforbreakfast，saidArcher，lookingathiswatch。pasteighto’clock，andmytownboysnotcome！Idon’tunderstandthis！
　　Archerhadexpectedaconstantsupplyofprovisionsfromtwoboyswholivedinthetown，whowerecousinsofhis，andwhohadpromisedtocomeeveryday，andputfoodinatacertainholeinthewall，inwhichaventilatorusuallyturned。ThisventilatorArcherhadtakendown，andhadcontriveditsothatitcouldbeeasilyremovedandreplacedatpleasure。but，uponexamination，itwasnowperceivedthattheholehadbeennewlystoppedupbyanironback，whichitwasimpossibletopenetrateorremove。
　　Itnevercameintomyheadthatanybodywouldeverhavethoughtoftheventilatorbutmyself！exclaimedArcher，ingreatperplexity。Helistenedandwaitedforhiscousins。butnocousinscame，andatalatehourthecompanywereobligedtobreakfastuponthescatteredfragmentsofthelastnight’sfeast。Thatfeasthadbeenspreadwithsuchimprudentprofusion，thatlittlenowremainedtosatisfythehungryguests。
　　Archer，whowellknewtheeffectwhichtheapprehensionofascarcitywouldhaveuponhisassociates，dideverythingthatcouldbedonebyaboldcountenanceandreiteratedassertionstopersuadethemthathiscousinswouldcertainlycomeatlastandthatthesupplieswereonlydelayed。Thedelay，however，wasalarming。
　　Fisheraloneheardthemanager’scalculationsandsawthepublicfearsunmoved。Secretlyrejoicinginhisownwisdom，hewalkedfromwindowtowindow，slilylisteningforthegipsy’ssignal。Thereitis！criedhewithmorejoysparklinginhiseyesthanhadeverenlightenedthembefore。Comethisway，Archer。butdon’ttellanybody。Hark！doyehearthosethreetapsatthewindow？Thisistheoldwomanwithtwelvebunsforme。I’llgiveyouonewholeoneforyourself，ifyouwillunbarthewindowforme。
　　Unbarthewindow！interruptedArcher。no，thatIwon’t，foryouorthegipsyeither。butIhaveheardenoughtogetyourbunswithoutthat。Butstay。thereissomethingofmoreconsequencethanyourtwelvebuns。I
　　mustthinkforyeall，Isee，regularly。
　　Sohesummonedacouncil，andproposedthateveryoneshouldsubscribe，andtrustthesubscriptiontothegipsy，topurchaseafreshsupplyofprovisions。Archerlaiddownaguineaofhisownmoneyforhissubscription。atwhichsightallthecompanyclappedtheirhands，andhispopularityrosetoahighpitchwiththeirrenewedhopesofplenty。Now，havingmadealistoftheirwants，theyfoldedthemoneyinthepaper，putitintoabag，whichArchertiedtoalongstring，and，havingbrokenthepaneofglassbehindtheroundholeinthewindow-shutter，heletdownthebagtothegipsy。Shepromisedtobepunctual，andhavingfilledthebagwithFisher’stwelvebuns，theyweredrawnupintriumph，andeverybodyanticipatedthepleasurewithwhichtheyshouldseethesamebagdrawnupatdinner-time。Thebunswerealittlesqueezedinbeingdrawnthroughtheholeinthewindow-shutter。butArcherimmediatelysawedoutapieceoftheshutter，andbrokethecorrespondingpanesineachoftheotherwindows，topreventsuspicion，andtomakeitappearthattheyhadallbeenbrokentoadmitair。
　　Whatapitythatsomuchingenuityshouldhavebeenemployedtonopurpose！
　　ItmayhavesurprisedtheintelligentreaderthatthegipsywassopunctualtoherpromisetoFisher，butwemustrecollectthatherapparentintegritywasonlycunning。shewaspunctualthatshemightbeemployedagain，thatshemightbeintrustedwiththecontributionwhich，sheforesaw，mustberaisedamongstthefamishinggarrison。Nosoonerhadshereceivedthemoneythanherendwasgained。
　　Dinner-timecame。itstruckthree，four，five，six。Theylistenedwithhungryears，butnosignalwasheard。Themorninghadbeenverylong，andArcherhadinvaintriedtodissuadethemfromdevouringtheremainderoftheprovisionsbeforetheyweresureofafreshsupply。Andnowthosewhohadbeenthemostconfidentwerethemostimpatientoftheirdisappointment。
　　Archer，inthedivisionofthefood，hadattempted，bythemostscrupulousexactness，tocontentthepublic，andhewasbothastonishedandprovokedtoperceivethathisimpartialitywasimpeached。Sodifferentlydopeoplejudgeindifferentsituations！Hewasthefirstpersontoaccusehismasterofinjustice，andtheleastcapableofbearingsuchanimputationuponhimselffromothers。Henowexperiencedsomeofthejoysofpower，andthedelightofmanagingunreasonablenumbers。
　　HavenotIdoneeverythingIcouldtopleaseyou？HavenotIspentmymoneytobuyyoufood？HavenotIdividedthelastmorselwithyou？I
　　havenottastedonemouthfultoday！DidnotIsettoworkforyouatsunrise？DidnotIlieawakeallnightforyou？HavenotIhadallthelabour，andalltheanxiety？LookroundandseeMYcontrivances，MY
　　work，MYgenerosity！And，afterall，youthinkmeatyrant，becauseI
　　wantyoutohavecommonsense。IsnotthisbunwhichIholdinmyhandmyown？DidnotIearnitbymyowningenuityfromthatselfishdunce
　　pointingtoFisher，whocouldneverhavegottenoneofhistwelvebuns，ifIhadnotshownhimhow？Elevenofthemhehaseatensincemorningforhisownshare，withoutofferinganyoneamorsel。butIscorntoeatevenwhatisjustlymyown，whenIseesomanyhungrycreatureslongingforit。Iwasnotgoingtotouchthislastmorselmyself。I
　　onlybeggedyoutokeepittillsupper-time，whenperhapsyou’llwantitmore，andTownsend，whocan’tbeartheslightestthingthatcrosseshisownwhims，andwhothinksthere’snothinginthisworldtobemindedbuthisowndiversion，callsmeaTYRANT。Youallofyoupromisedtoobeyme。ThefirstthingIaskyoutodoforyourowngood，andwhen，ifyouhadcommonsense，youmustknowIcanwantnothingbutyourgood，yourebelagainstme。Traitors！fools！ungratefulfools！
　　Archerwalkedupanddown，unabletocommandhisemotion，whilst，forthemoment，thediscontentedmultitudewassilenced。
　　Here，saidhe，strikinghishanduponthelittleboy’sshoulder，here’stheonlyoneamongstyouwhohasnotutteredonewordofreproachorcomplaint，andhehashadbutonebitofbread——abitthatIgavehimmyselfthisday。Here！saidhe，snatchingthebun，whichnobodyhaddaredtotouch，takeit——it’smine——Igiveittoyou，thoughyouareaGreybeard。youdeserveit。Eatit，andbeanArcher。Youshallbemycaptain。willyou？saidhe，liftinghimupinhisarmabovetherest。
　　Ilikeyounow，saidthelittleboy，courageously。butIloveDeGreybetter。hehasalwaysbeenmyfriend，andheadvisedmenevertocallmyselfanyofthosenames，ArcherorGreybeard。soIwon’t。ThoughIamshutinhere，Ihavenothingtodowithit。IloveDr。Middleton。hewasneverunjusttoME，andIdaresaythathehasverygoodreasons，asDeGreysaid，forforbiddingustogointothathouse。Besides，it’shisown。
　　Insteadofadmiringthegoodsenseandsteadinessofthislittlelad，ArchersufferedTownsendtosnatchtheuntastedbunoutofhishands。Heflungitataholeinthewindow，butitfellback。TheArchersscrambledforit，andFisherateit。
　　Archersawthis，andwassensiblethathehadnotdonehandsomelyinsufferingit。Afewmomentsagohehadadmiredhisowngenerosity，andthoughhehadfelttheinjusticeofothers，hehadnotaccusedhimselfofany。Heturnedawayfromthelittleboy，andsittingdownatoneendofthetable，hidhisfaceinhishands。Hecontinuedimmovableinthispostureforsometime。
　　Lord！saidTownsend。itwasanexcellentjoke！
　　Pooh！saidFisher。whatafool，tothinksomuchaboutabun！
　　Nevermind，Mr。Archer，ifyouarethinkingaboutme，saidthelittleboy，tryinggentlytopullhishandsfromhisface。
　　Archerstoopeddown，andliftedhimupuponthetable，atwhichsightthepartisanssetupageneralhiss。Hehasforsakenus！Hedesertshisparty！HewantstobeaGreybeard！Afterhehasgotusallintothisscrape，hewillleaveus！
　　Iamnotgoingtoleaveyou，criedArcher。Nooneshalleveraccusemeofdesertingmyparty。I’llstickbytheArchers，rightorwrong，I
　　tellyou，tothelastmoment。Butthislittlefellow——takeitasyouplease，mutinyifyouwill，andthrowmeoutofthewindow。Callmetraitor！coward！Greybeard！——thislittlefellowisworthyouallputtogether，andI’llstandbyhimagainstanyonewhodarestolayafingeruponhim。andthenextmorseloffoodthatIseeshallbehis。Touchhimwhodares！
　　ThecommandingairwithwhichArcherspokeandlooked，andthebeliefthatthelittleboydeservedhisprotection，silencedthecrowd。Butthestormwasonlyhushed。
　　Nosoundofmerrimentwasnowtobeheard——nobattledoreandshuttlecock——
　　noball，nomarbles。Somesatinacorner，whisperingtheirwishesthatArcherwouldunbarthedoors，andgiveup。Others，stretchingtheirarms，andgapingastheysaunteredupanddowntheroom，wishedforair，orfood，orwater。Fisherandhisnine，whohadsuchfirmdependenceuponthegipsy，nowgavethemselvesuptoutterdespair。Itwaseighto’clock，growingdarkeranddarkereveryminute，andnocandles，nolightcouldtheyhave。Theprospectofanotherlongdarknightmadethemstillmorediscontented。
　　Townsend，attheheadoftheyawners，andFisher，attheheadofthehungrymalcontents，gatheredroundArcherandthefewyetunconqueredspirits，demandingHowlonghemeanttokeeptheminthisdarkdungeon？
　　andwhetherheexpectedthattheyshouldstarvethemselvesforhissake？
　　TheideaofGIVINGUPwasmoreintolerabletoArcherthanalltherest。
　　Hesawthatthemajority，hisownconvincingargument，wasagainsthim。
　　Hewasthereforeobligedtocondescendtotheartsofpersuasion。Heflatteredsomewithhopesoffoodfromthetownboys。Someheremindedoftheirpromises。othershepraisedforformerprowess。andothersheshamedbytherepetitionoftheirhighvauntsinthebeginningofthebusiness。
　　ItwasatlengthresolvedthatatalleventstheyWOULDHOLDOUT。Withthisdeterminationtheystretchedthemselvesagaintosleep，forthesecondnight，inweakandwearyobstinacy。
　　Archersleptlongerandmoresoundlythanusualthenextmorning，andwhenheawoke，hefoundhishandstiedbehindhim！Threeorfourboyshadjustgotholdofhisfeet，whichtheypresseddown，whilstthetremblinghandsofFisherwerefasteningthecordroundthem。
　　Withalltheforcewhichragecouldinspire，ArcherstruggledandroaredtoHISARCHERS！——hisfriends，hisparty——forhelpagainstthetraitors。
　　Butallkeptaloof。Townsend，inparticular，stoodlaughingandlookingon。Ibegyourpardon，Archer，butreallyyoulooksodroll。Allaliveandkicking！Don’tbeangry。I’msoweak，Icannothelplaughingtoday。
　　Thepackthreadcracked。Hishandsarefree！He’sloose！criedtheleastoftheboys，andranaway，whilstArcherleapedup，andseizingholdofFisherwithapowerfulgrasp，sternlydemandedWhathemeantbythis？
　　Askmyparty，saidFisher，terrified。theysetmeon。askmyparty。
　　Yourparty！criedArcher，withalookofineffablecontempt。youreptile！——YOURparty？CansuchathingasYOUhaveaparty？
　　Tobesure！saidFisher，settlinghiscollar，whichArcherinhissurprisehadletgo。tobesure！Whynot？Anymanwhochoosesitmayhaveapartyaswellasyourself，Isuppose。IhavenineFishermen。
　　Atthesewords，spokenwithmuchsullenimportance，Archer，inspiteofhisvexation，couldnothelplaughing。Fishermen！criedhe，FISHERMEN！
　　AndwhynotFishermenaswellasArchers？criedthey。Onepartyisjustasgoodasanother。itisonlyaquestionwhichcangettheupperhand。andwehadyourhandstiedjustnow。
　　That’sright，Townsend，saidArcher，laughon，myboy！Friendorfoe，it’sallthesametoyou。Iknowhowtovalueyourfriendshipnow。Youareamightygoodfellowwhenthesunshines。butletastormcome，andhowyouslinkaway！
　　Atthisinstant，ArcherfeltthedifferencebetweenAGOODCOMPANIONandagoodfriend，adifferencewhichsomepeopledonotdiscovertilllateinlife。
　　HaveInofriend？——norealfriendamongstyouall？Andcouldyestandby，andseemyhandstiedbehindmelikeathief’s？Whatsignifiessuchaparty——allmute？
　　Wewantsomethingtoeat，answeredtheFishermen。WhatsignifiesSUCH
　　aparty，indeed？andSUCHamanager，whocandonothingforone？
　　Andhave_I_donenothing？
　　Don’tlet’shearanymoreprosing，saidFisher。wearetoomanyforyou。I’veadvisedmyparty，ifthey’veamindnottobestarved，togiveyouupfortheringleader，asyouwere。andDr。Middletonwillnotletusalloff，Idaresay。So，dependinguponthesullensilenceoftheassembly，heagainapproachedArcherwithacord。AcryofNo，no，no！
　　Don’ttiehim，wasfeeblyraised。
　　Archerstoodstill，butthemomentFishertouchedhimheknockedhimdowntotheground，andturningtotherest，witheyessparklingwithindignation，Archers！criedhe。Avoiceatthisinstantwasheardatthedoor。ItwasDeGrey’svoice。Ihavegotalargebasketofprovisionsforyourbreakfast。Ageneralshoutofjoywassentforthbythevoraciouspublic。Breakfast！Provisions！Alargebasket！DeGreyforever！Huzza！
　　DeGreypromised，uponhishonour，thatifhewouldunbarthedoornobodyshouldcomeinwithhim，andnoadvantageshouldbetakenofthem。ThispromisewasenoughevenforArcher。Iwilllethimin，saidhe，myself。forI’msurehe’llneverbreakhisword。Hepulledawaythebar。thedooropened，andhavingbargainedforthelibertyofMelson，thelittleboy，whohadbeenshutinbymistake，DeGreyenteredwithhisbasketofprovisions，whenhelockedandbarredthedoorinstantly。
　　Joyandgratitudesparkledineveryfacewhenheunpackedhisbasket，andspreadthetablewithaplentifulbreakfast。Ahundredquestionswereaskedhimatonce。Eatfirst，saidhe，andwewilltalkafterwards。
　　Thisbusinesswasquicklydespatchedbythosewhohadnottastedfoodforalongwhile。Theircuriosityincreasedastheirhungerdiminished。
　　Whosentusbreakfast？DoesDr。Middletonknow？werequestionsreiteratedfromeverymouth。
　　Hedoesknow，answeredDeGrey。andthefirstthingIhavetotellyouis，thatIamyourfellow-prisoner。Iamtostayheretillyougiveup。
　　ThiswastheonlyconditiononwhichDr。Middletonwouldallowmetobringyoufood，andhewillallownomore。
　　Everyonelookedattheemptybasket。ButArcher，inwhomhalfvanquishedpartyspiritrevivedwiththestrengthhehadgotfromhisbreakfast，brokeintoexclamationsinpraiseofDeGrey’smagnanimity，ashenowimaginedthatDeGreyhadbecomeoneofthemselves。
　　Andyouwilljoinus，willyou？That’sanoblefellow！
　　No，answeredDeGrey，calmly。butIhopetopersuade，orrathertoconvinceyou，thatyououghttojoinme。
　　Youwouldhavefounditnohardtasktohavepersuadedorconvincedus，whicheveryoupleased，saidTownsend，ifyouhadappealedtoArchersfasting。butArchersfeastingarequiteotheranimals。EvenCaesarhimself，afterbreakfast，isquiteanotherthing！addedhe，pointingtoArcher。
　　Youmayspeakforyourself，Mr。Townsend，repliedtheinsultedhero，butnotforme，orforArchersingeneral，ifyouplease。WeunbarredthedooruponthefaithofDeGrey’spromise——THATwasnotgivingup。
　　Anditwouldhavebeenjustasdifficult，Ipromiseyou，topersuadeorconvincemeeitherthatIshouldgiveupagainstmyhonourbeforebreakfastasafter。
　　Thisspiritedspeechwasapplaudedbymany，whohadnowforgottenthefeelingsoffamine。NotsoFisher，whosememorywasuponthisoccasionverydistinct。
　　Whatnonsense，andtheoratorpausedforasynonymousexpression，butnonewasathand。Whatnonsenseand——nonsenseishere！Why，don’tyourememberthatdinner-time，andsupper-timeandbreakfast-timewillcomeagain？Sowhatsignifiesmouthingaboutpersuadingandconvincing？Wewillnotgothroughagainwhatwedidyesterday！Honourmenohonour。I
　　don’tunderstandit。I’dratherbefloggedatonce，asIhavebeenmany’sthegoodtimeforalessthing。Isay，we’dbetterallbefloggedatonce，whichmustbetheendofitsoonerorlater，thanwaitheretobewithoutdinner，breakfast，andsupper，allonlybecauseMr。Archerwon’tgiveupbecauseofhishonourandnonsense！
　　ManyprudentfacesamongsttheFishermenseemedtodeliberateatthecloseofthisoration，inwhichtheargumentswerebroughtsohometoeachman’sbusinessandbosom。
　　But，saidDeGrey，whenweyield，Ihopeitwillnotbemerelytogetourdinner，gentlemen。Whenweyield，Archer——
　　Don’taddressyourselftome，interruptedArcher，strugglingwithhispride。youhavenofurtheroccasiontotrytowinme。Ihavenopower，noparty，yousee！AndnowIfindthatIhavenofriends，Idon’tcarewhatbecomesofmyself。IsupposeI’mtobegivenupasaringleader。
　　Here’sthisFisher，andapartyofhisFishermen，weregoingtotiemehandandfoot，ifIhadnotknockedhimdown，justasyoucametothedoor，DeGrey。andnowperhapsyouwilljoinFisher’spartyagainstme。
　　DeGreywasgoingtoassurehimthathehadnointentionofjoininganyparty，whenasuddenchangeappearedonArcher’scountenance。Silence！
　　criedArcher，inanimperioustone，andtherewassilence。Someonewasheardtowhistlethebeginningofatune，thatwasperfectlynewtoeverybodypresent，excepttoArcher，whoimmediatelywhistledtheconclusion。There！criedhe，lookingatDeGrey，withtriumph。that’samethodofholdingsecretcorrespondencewhilstaprisoner，whichI
　　learnedfrom’RichardCoeurdeLion。’Iknowhowtomakeuseofeverything。Hallo！friend！areyouthereatlast？criedhe，goingtotheventilator。
　　Yes，butwearebarredouthere。
　　Roundtothewindowthen，andfillourbag。We’llletitdown，mylad，inatrice。barmeoutwhocan！
　　Archerletdownthebagwithalltheexpeditionofjoy，anditwasfilledwithalltheexpeditionoffear。Pullaway！makehaste，forHeaven’ssake！saidthevoicefromwithout。thegardenerwillcomefromdinner，else，andweshallbecaught。Hemountedguardallyesterdayattheventilator。andthoughIwatchedandwatchedtillitwasdarkerthanpitch，Icouldnotgetnearyou。Idon’tknowwhathastakenhimoutofthewaynow。Makehaste，pullaway！Theheavybagwassoonpulledup。
　　Haveyouanymore？saidArcher。
　　Yes，plenty。Letdownquick！I’vegotthetailor’sbagfull，whichisthreetimesaslargeasyours，andI’vechangedclotheswiththetailor’sboy。sonobodytooknoticeofmeasIcamedownthestreet。
　　There’smyowncousin！exclaimedArcher，there’sanoblefellow！
　　there’smyowncousin，Iacknowledge。Fillthebag，then。Severaltimesthebagdescendedandascended。andateveryunladingofthecrane，freshacclamationswereheard。
　　Ihavenomore！atlengththeboywiththetailor’sbagcried。
　　Offwithyou，then。we’veenough，andthankyou。
　　Adelightfulreviewwasnowmadeoftheirtreasure。Busyhandsarrangedandsortedtheheterogeneousmass。Archer，intheheightofhisglory，lookedon，theacknowledgedmasterofthewhole。Townsend，who，inhisprosperityasinadversity，sawandenjoyedthecomicfoiblesofhisfriends，pushedDeGrey，whowaslookingonwithamoregood-naturedandmorethoughtfulair。Friend，saidhe，youlooklikeagreatphilosopher，andArcheragreathero。
　　Andyou，Townsend，saidArcher，maylooklikeawit，ifyouwill。butyouwillneverbeahero。
　　No，no，repliedTownsend。witswereneverheroes，becausetheyarewits。Youareoutofyourwits，andthereforemaysetupforahero。
　　Laugh，andwelcome。I’mnotatyrant。Idon’twanttorestrainanybody’swit。butIcannotsayIadmirepuns。
　　NorI，either，saidthetimeservingFisher，sidlinguptothemanager，andpickingtheiceoffapieceofplum-cake，norIeither。Ihatepuns。
　　IcanneverunderstandTownsend’sPUNS。Besides，anybodycanmakepuns。
　　andonedoesn’twantwit，either，atalltimes。forinstance，whenoneisgoingtosettleaboutdinner，orbusinessofconsequence。Blessusall，Archer！continuedhe，withsuddenfamiliarity。WHATASIGHTOFGOOD
　　THINGSAREHERE！I’msurewearemuchobligedtoyouandyourcousin。I
　　neverthoughthe’dhavecome。Why，nowwecanholdoutaslongasyouplease。Letussee，saidhe，dividingtheprovisionsuponthetable。
　　wecanholdoutto-day，andallto-morrow，andpartofnextday，maybe。
　　Why，nowwemaydefythedoctorandtheGreybeards。Thedoctorwillsurelygiveuptous。for，yousee，heknowsnothingofallthis，andhe’llthinkwearestarvingallthiswhile。andhe’dbeafraid，yousee，toletusstarvequite，inreality，forthreewholedays，becauseofwhatwouldbesaidinthetown。MyAuntBarbara，forone，wouldbeATHIM
　　longbeforethattimewasout。andbesides，youknow，inthatcase，he’dbehangedformurder，whichisquiteanotherthing，inlaw，fromaBARRINGOUT，youknow。
　　Archerhadnotgiventothisharanguealltheattentionwhichitdeserved，forhiseyewasfixeduponDeGrey。WhatisDeGreythinkingof？heasked，impatiently。
　　Iamthinking，saidDeGrey，thatDr。MiddletonmustbelievethatI
　　havebetrayedhisconfidenceinme。Thegardenerwasorderedawayfromhiswatch-postforonehalf-hourwhenIwasadmitted。Thishalf-hourthegardenerhasmadenearlyahour。IneverwouldhavecomenearyouifI
　　hadforeseenallthis。Dr。Middletontrustedme，andnowhewillrepentofhisconfidenceinme。
　　DeGrey！criedArcher，withenergy，heshallnotrepentofhisconfidenceinyou——norshallyourepentofcomingamongstus。Youshallfindthatwehavesomehonouraswellasyourself，andIwilltakecareofyourhonourasifitweremyOWN！
　　Hey-day！interruptedTownsend。areheroesallowedtochangesides，pray？AnddoesthechiefoftheArchersstandtalkingsentimenttothechiefoftheGreybeards？Inthemiddleofhisownpartytoo！
　　Party！repeatedArcher，disdainfully。Ihavedonewithparties！Iseewhatpartiesaremadeof！Ihavefeltthewantofafriend，andIamdeterminedtomakeoneifIcan。
　　Thatyoumaydo，saidDeGrey，stretchingouthishand。
　　Unbarthedoors！unbarthewindows！exclaimedArcher。Awaywithallthesethings！IgiveupforDeGrey’ssake。Heshallnotlosehiscreditonmyaccount。
　　No，saidDeGrey，youshallnotgiveupformysake。
　　Well，then，I’llgiveuptodowhatisHONOURABLE，saidArcher。
　　WhynottodowhatisREASONABLE？saidDeGrey。
　　REASONABLE！Oh，thefirstthingthatamanofspiritshouldthinkofis，whatisHONOURABLE。
　　ButhowwillhefindoutWHATIShonourable，unlesshecanreason？
　　repliedDeGrey。
　　Oh，saidArcher，hisownfeelingsalwaystellhimwhatishonourable。
　　HavenotYOURFEELINGS，askedDeGrey，changedwithinthesefewhours？
　　Yes，withcircumstances，repliedArcher。butrightorwrong，aslongasIthinkithonourabletodosoandso，I’msatisfied。
　　Butyoucannotthinkanythinghonourable，orthecontrary，observedDeGrey，withoutreasoning。andastowhatyoucallfeeling，it’sonlyaquicksortofreasoning。
　　Thequicker，thebetter，saidArcher。
　　Perhapsnot，saidDeGrey。Weareapttoreasonbestwhenwearenotinquitesogreatahurry。
　　But，saidArcher，wehavenotalwaystimeenoughtoreasonATFIRST。
　　Youmust，however，acknowledge，repliedDeGrey，smiling，thatnomanbutafoolthinksithonourabletobeinthewrongATLAST。Isitnot，therefore，besttobeginbyreasoningtofindouttherightATFIRST？
　　Tobesure，saidArcher。
　　Anddidyoureasonwithyourselfatfirst？AnddidyoufindoutthatitwasrighttobarDr。Middletonoutofhisownschoolroom，becausehedesiredyounottogointooneofhisownhouses？
　　No，repliedArcher。butIshouldneverhavethoughtofheadingaBarringOut，ifhehadnotshownpartiality。andifyouhadflownintoapassionwithmeopenlyatonceforpullingdownyourscenery，whichwouldhavebeenquitenatural，andnothavegoneslilyandforbidusthehouseoutofrevenge，therewouldhavebeennoneofthiswork。
　　Why，saidDeGrey，shouldyoususpectmeofsuchameanaction，whenyouhaveneverseenorknownmedoanythingmean，andwheninthisinstanceyouhavenoproofs？
　　Willyougivemeyourwordandhonournow，DeGrey，beforeeverybodyhere，thatyoudidnotdowhatIsuspected？
　　Idoassureyou，uponmyhonour，Inever，indirectly，spoketoDr。
　　Middletonabouttheplayhouse。
　　Then，saidArcher，I’masgladasifIhadfoundathousandpounds！
　　Nowyouaremyfriendindeed。
　　AndDr。Middleton——whyshouldyoususpecthimwithoutreasonanymorethanme？
　　Astothat，saidArcher，heisyourfriend，andyouarerighttodefendhim。andIwon’tsayanotherwordagainsthim。Willthatsatisfyyou？
　　Notquite。
　　Notquite！Then，indeedyouareunreasonable！
　　No，repliedDeGrey。forIdon’twishyoutoyieldoutoffriendshiptome，anymorethantohonour。Ifyouyieldtoreason，youwillbegovernedbyreasonanothertime。
　　Well。butthendon’ttriumphoverme，becauseyouhavethebestsideoftheargument。
　　NotI！HowcanI？saidDeGrey。fornowyouareonTHEBESTSIDEaswellasmyself，arenotyou？Sowemaytriumphtogether。
　　Youareagoodfriend！saidArcher。andwithgreateagernesshepulleddownthefortifications，whilsteveryhandassisted。Theroomwasrestoredtoorderinafewminutes——theshutterswerethrownopen，thecheerfullightletin。Thewindowswerethrownup，andthefirstfeelingofthefreshairwasdelightful。Thegreenplaygoundopenedbeforethem，andthehopesofexerciseandlibertybrightenedthecountenancesofthesevoluntaryprisoners。
　　But，alas！theywerenotyetatliberty。TheideaofDr。Middleton，andthedreadofhisvengeance，smotetheirhearts。Whentherebelshadsentanambassadorwiththeirsurrender，theystoodinpaleandsilentsuspense，waitingfortheirdoom。
　　Ah！saidFisher，lookingupatthebrokenpanesinthewindows，thedoctorwillthinkthemostofTHAT——he’llneverforgiveusforthat。
　　Hush！herehecomes！Hissteadystepwasheardapproachingnearerandnearer。Archerthrewopenthedoor，andDr。Middletonentered。Fisherinstantlyfellonhisknees。
　　Itisnodelighttometoseepeopleontheirknees。Standup，Mr。
　　Fisher。Ihopeyouareallconsciousthatyouhavedonewrong？
　　Sir，saidArcher，theyareconsciousthattheyhavedonewrong，andsoamI。Iamtheringleader。Punishmeasyouthinkproper。Isubmit。
　　Yourpunishments——yourvengeanceoughttofallonmealone！
　　Sir，saidDr。Middleton，calmly，Iperceivethatwhateverelseyoumayhavelearnedinthecourseofyoureducation，youhavenotbeentaughtthemeaningofthewordpunishment。Punishmentandvengeancedonotwithusmeanthesamething。PUNISHMENTispaingiven，withthereasonablehopeofpreventingthoseonwhomitisinflictedfromdoing，INFUTURE，whatwillhurtthemselvesorothers。VENGEANCEneverlookstotheFUTURE，butistheexpressionofangerforaninjurythatispast。I
　　feelnoanger。youhavedonemenoinjury。
　　Heremanyofthelittleboyslookedtimidlyuptothewindows。Yes，I
　　seethatyouhavebrokenmywindows。thatisasmallevil。
　　Oh，sir！Howgood！Howmerciful！exclaimedthosewhohadbeenmostpanic-struck。Heforgivesus！
　　Stay，resumedDr。Middleton。Icannotforgiveyou。Ishallneverrevenge，butitismydutytopunish。Youhaverebelledagainstthejustauthoritywhichisnecessarytoconductandgovernyouwhilstyouhavenotsufficientreasontogovernandconductyourselves。Withoutobediencetothelaws，addedhe，turningtoArcher，asmen，youcannotbesufferedinsociety。You，sir，thinkyourselfaman，Iobserve。andyouthinkitthepartofamannottosubmittothewillofanother。I
　　havenopleasureinmakingothers，whethermenorchildren，submittomyWILL。butmyreasonandexperiencearesuperiortoyours。Yourparentsatleastthinkso，ortheywouldnothaveintrustedmewiththecareofyoureducation。Aslongastheydointrustyoutomycare，andaslongasIhaveanyhopesofmakingyouwiserandbetterbypunishment，Ishallsteadilyinflictit，wheneverIjudgeittobenecessary，andIjudgeittobenecessaryNOW。Thisisalongsermon，Mr。Archer，notpreachedtoshowmyowneloquence，buttoconvinceyourunderstanding。Now，astoyourpunishment！
　　Nameit，sir，saidArcher。whateveritis，Iwillcheerfullysubmittoit。
　　Nameityourself，saidDr。Middleton，andshowmethatyounowunderstandthenatureofpunishment。
　　Archer，proudtobetreatedlikeareasonablecreature，andsorrythathehadbehavedlikeafoolishschoolboy，wassilentforsometime，butatlengthreplied，Thathewouldrathernotnamehisownpunishment。Herepeated，however，thathetrustedheshouldbearitwell，whateveritmightbe。
　　Ishall，then，saidDr。Middleton，depriveyou，fortwomonths，ofpocket-money，asyouhavehadtoomuch，andhavemadeabaduseofit。
　　Sir，saidArcher，Ibroughtfiveguineaswithmetoschool。ThisguineaisallthatIhaveleft。
　　Dr。MiddletonreceivedtheguineawhichArcherofferedhimwithalookofapprobation，andtoldhimthatitshouldbeappliedtotherepairsoftheschoolroom。Therestoftheboyswaitedinsilenceforthedoctor’ssentenceagainstthem，butnotwiththoselooksofabjectfearwithwhichboysusuallyexpectthesentenceofaschoolmaster。
　　Youshallreturnfromtheplayground，allofyou，saidDr。Middleton，onequarterofanhoursooner，fortwomonthstocome，thantherestofyourcompanions。Abellshallringattheappointedtime。Igiveyouanopportunityofrecoveringmyconfidencebyyourpunctuality。
　　Oh，sir！wewillcometheinstant，theveryinstantthebellrings。youshallhaveconfidenceinus，criedthey，eagerly。
　　Ideserveyourconfidence，Ihope，saidDr。Middleton。foritismyfirstwishtomakeyouallhappy。Youdonotknowthepainthatithascostmetodepriveyouoffoodforsomanyhours。
　　Heretheboys，withoneaccord，rantotheplacewheretheyhaddepositedtheirlastsupplies。Archerdeliveredthemuptothedoctor，proudtoshowthattheywerenotreducedtoobediencemerelybynecessity。
　　Thereason，resumedDr。Middleton，havingnowreturnedtotheusualbenignityofhismanner——thereasonwhyIdesiredthatnoneofyoushouldgotothatbuilding，pointingoutofthewindow，wasthis：——I
　　hadbeeninformedthatagangofgipsieshadslepttherethenightbeforeIspoketoyou，oneofwhomwasdangerouslyillofaputridfever。Ididnotchoosetomentionmyreasontoyouoryourfriends。Ihavehadtheplacecleaned，andyoumayreturntoitwhenyouplease。Thegipsieswereyesterdayremovedfromthetown。
　　DeGrey，youwereintheright，whisperedArcher，anditwasIthatwasUNJUST。
　　Theoldwoman，continuedthedoctor，whomyouemployedtobuyfood，hasescapedthefever，butshehasnotescapedagaol，whithershewassentyesterday，forhavingdefraudedyouofyourmoney。